Monthly Archives: May 2018

Featured, Property Manager, Renovation

East 34th Street Roof and Plaza

East 34th Street Roof & Plaza

Scope

At the heart of Manhattan’s east side, the 36-story residential tower in Kips Bay offers unbeatable comfort and convenience. Interested in maximizing the value of existing spaces, real estate agency Kibel engaged EDG on a residential renovation of approximately 20,000 sq. ft. of the property’s shared roof and plaza areas. EDG’s architectural and engineering team collaborated on extensive planning, design, and construction administration to reinvigorate the aesthetics and functionality at 300 East 34th Street.

Approach

EDG navigated complicated building codes, conducted structural analysis, and explored possibilities to re-purpose existing components to achieve a cohesive, welcoming design. On the ground plaza, the team introduced carefully considered geometry and materials to existing site elements. On the roof, the team retrofit a previously inaccessible space by extending elevators, transforming mechanical rooms into amenity space, and reviewing the impact of increased loading of the existing roof.

Impact

With meticulously planned architectural and structural moves, EDG unlocked the potential of the residential tower’s community spaces. The building’s 300+ residents now return home through a distinct landmark piazza, where lively congregation fosters a rich civic space. The plan enhances accessibility, visibility, and capacity – while maximizing retail potential and developing a signature design on the ground plane. Thirty-six floors above, residents enjoy an exquisitely curated 360° panorama of Manhattan’s skyline, accompanied by a pristine pool, lush gardens and pergolas.

Construction Cost: $5.5 Million

Year Completed: 2017

 

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EDG 3D Print Technology in The Architect’s Newspaper

The Architects Newspaper EDG Modern Ornamental 3D Printing

The Architect’s Newspaper showcases EDG’s research into “Modern Ornamental,” a new 3D print technology for digital sculpture. Author Jamie Ferello highlighted the history of EDG’s technical experimentation and future applications for the technologies.

Read more: EDG Creates Customizable 3D-printed Concrete Molds

About Modern Ornamental: In the past decade, the relationship between technology and craft has seen a significant reversal. Once considered antithetical, or even antagonistic, technology has entered into a surprising symbiosis with craft. Rather than bracing for obsolescence, artists and artisans across creative fields are embracing digital tools as the new medium for human expression. This 3D print process ultimately gives the impression of a creative “hand” still at work, even if aided by machines.

Armed with prodigious expertise in software (and developing EDG’s own programming,) our team came up with creative solutions to bridge technology and craft: Modern Ornamental: a new 3D print form of digital sculpture. Utilizing rendering software widely available (like 3DSMax and Rhino) coupled with algorithmic modeling programs, renderings are transformed into printable objects. This process will not only usher in the forgotten craft of the “hand” into the modern age, but also democratize the process of design, allowing practitioners from divergent fields to execute what was previously unimaginable.

Modern Ornamental 3D Print Facade Design EDG

About EDG

We are architects, engineers and consultants who specialize in the design of new buildings, renovations, and restoration projects. Our firm has extensive experience in project management, architectural design, structural engineering and restoration design.

Our portfolio includes new residential and commercial buildings, office and retail fit-outs, restaurants, and car dealerships. We also offer our clients a variety of specialized services, from building code and zoning analysis to construction cost estimating, material science and waterproofing. We are widely recognized for our expertise in facade, plaza, roof and garage restoration, as well as Local Law 11 inspections and reporting.

Corporate, Renovation

VANS Herald Square

VANS Herald Square

Scope

Growing VANS’ “Off-The-Wall” legacy, the leader in footwear and skateboarding sought to open a new store in Herald Square. Located less than 100 yards away from Manhattan’s busiest intersection, the existing four-story, 100+ year old structure required an extensive gut renovation. RGLA engaged EDG for structural design services, including the creation of 20-ft. high ceilings above the retail space, a new elevator installation rising from the basement through fourth floor, a new stairwell installation connecting the first and second floor, and a refreshed storefront conveying the VANS brand.

Approach

The existing structure was a complicated amalgam of previous renovation campaigns, which became an unwieldy patchwork of century-old building materials and techniques mixed with modern construction. With deep knowledge of both historic and modern construction, EDG analyzed the conditions and employed best practices to bring the project vision to fruition. To create the double-height ceilings, EDG removed the third floor in its entirety – a task which required the removal of an exterior masonry wall and load transfer to a new steel support structure hidden within the walls and ceiling of the second floor below.

Impact

Given the location’s prominence, it was imperative to open the retail space prior to Black Friday. By engaging modern structural analysis software, EDG was able to immediately update designs based on architectural revisions and in-field conditions. Providing constant onsite representation throughout the tight construction schedule, the EDG team was responsive to all unexpected conditions and updates. From initial concept through close out, the entire project was completed in less than six months, with the store opening before Thanksgiving. The exciting new space transformed a complex existing structure into an immersive customer experience center, expanding VANS’ street culture influence in the heart of Manhattan.

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EDG #20 on Zweig Group’s “Best Firms To Work For” Award

At EDG, we value work-life balance, support the pursuit of learning, and are always looking to make our office a better place for all employees. That’s why we’re ecstatic to announce that Zweig Group has recognized EDG’s industry-leading efforts. EDG places #20 on 2018’s “Best Firms To Work For” award for Multi-Discipline firms. This is EDG’s third year making this prestigious list, jumping up from #28 in 2017.

Firms are evaluated by employee benefits, workplace environment, and workplace practices through staff survey and employer reporting. The Best Firms to Work For Award recognizes the top architecture, structural engineering, civil engineering, environmental, geotechnical engineering, landscape architecture/planning, and multi-discipline firms.

About EDG: We are architects, engineers and consultants who specialize in the design of new buildings, renovations, and restoration projects. Our firm has extensive experience in project management, architectural design, structural engineering and restoration design.

Our portfolio includes new residential and commercial buildings, office and retail fit-outs, restaurants, and car dealerships. We also offer our clients a variety of specialized services, from building code and zoning analysis to construction cost estimating, material science and waterproofing. We are widely recognized for our expertise in facade, plaza, roof and garage restoration, as well as Local Law 11 inspections and reporting.

About Zweig Group Awards: At Zweig Group, we exist in order to help leaders in the architecture, engineering, and environmental
consulting industries achieve their business and personal goals. Zweig Group offers four awards programs specifically focused on architecture, engineering, planning, and environmental consulting firm achievement. Each award has a different focus; marketing excellence, overall firm success, best workplace practices, and outstanding leadership.